How to critique a research paper: See appendix D – Guidelines for the critical evaluation of a Journal paper. There are also some
supporting materials which will be shared with you in classes (Click the links to access the papers):

• Key reading 1: Heale and Twycross (2015) Validity and reliability in quantitative studies.
• Key reading 2: Coughlan, M., Cronin, P., & Ryan, F. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 1: quantitative research. British journal of nursing, 16(11), 658-663.
  Worksheets – how to evaluate quantitative research (see Minerva)
• Key reading 1: Shenton (2004) Strategies for ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research projects.
• Key reading 2: Ryan, F., Coughlan, M., & Cronin, P. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 2: Qualitative research. British journal of nursing, 16(12), 738-744.
  Worksheets – how to evaluate qualitative research (see Minerva)
• Assessment Criteria for this assignment are drawn from Taught Postgraduate Framework:
  Demonstrate knowledge at or near the current limits of understanding,
  within a specific area of:
• Alternative approaches/theoretical perspectives;
• Research findings

Appendix D – Guidelines for the critical evaluation of a Journal paper assignment

The following indicative structure and prompt questions may be helpful to your first assignment – evaluating a published research paper:

Title page, bearing in order: Analysis of a research paper – “title of the chosen paper and its reference”, your name, and the workshop instructor’s name.

1. Introduction 

• the reasons why the journal paper is chosen
• Aims to achieve for this assignment.
• Key components included in the main body.

1. A brief summary of the main elements of this chosen paper

• the aim and purpose of the research
• In what context was the research conducted
• Theoretical framework
• Methodology
• Major findings

2. Philosophical foundation of the chosen paper

• Discuss the epistemological and ontological foundation of the research paper
• Any implicit assumptions and their relations to the nature of the research
• How do the research paradigm relate to the research methods?

3. Methodology and data analysis

• Is there a rationale of the methodological decisions and approaches
• Evaluate the rigour/quality of the methodology based on appropriate
  criteria
• Validity and reliability for quantitative data
• Trustworthiness for qualitative data
• How does the data collection methods relate to the aims of the research/research questions?
• Are there any possible alternative analyses or explanations of the data?

4. Other potential issues

• What ethical questions were addressed by the researcher (if any)?
• What researcher effects were discussed and were potentially of concern?
• Weaknesses and strengths of this research

5. Conclusions

• How would you evaluate the quality of the research study overall?
• How has your critique and evaluation of these studies informed your understanding of research and/or your own approach to research in the future?

6. Reference

Please use research methods literature to support your analysis for this assignment.